“Elders say discipline paves the way. I Lukyamuzi, have seen it with my own eyes.
At the end of my Senior Three in 2024, I was voted Student of the Year. All the teachers and students said it was because of my obedience and good behaviour throughout the term.
I felt happy. I felt proud. That recognition meant the world to me. It proved that discipline matters and that people notice. Both the little actions and the big ones. But behind that achievement lies a harder truth: I almost never made it this far in school.
Back in Primary Six, my mother, who had been struggling for years to pay my fees, finally broke down and told me, “You’re not going back.” I heard those words. They hit hard. In that moment, I got so mad at my mother. I thought, Why would she want me to drop out of school? School had already been on and off for me. Many times, I studied for only a week, then got sent back home for fees. I was always behind, always catching up. But whenever I was in class, I was very attentive. I wanted to take in as much as I could. My mother’s dream was only to see me complete Primary Seven. She believed I would be educated enough to find some work.
But deep inside, I never wished for that. A Primary Seven certificate means very little, especially in Uganda today a country that is competitive, with limited employment opportunities. Even in those moments, I never lost hope. I anchored myself in prayer and prayed for change. And indeed, Allah had a different plan for me, Lukyamuzi. My English teacher, Teacher Gladys, knew my situation. Sometimes, she even used part of her salary to support me. Other times, she asked the school bursar not to send me home but to wait until she received her pay.
I witnessed firsthand that kind people exist. One day, she introduced me to Faces Up Uganda after one of their art and mentorship sessions at Namungoona Kigobe Primary School. That’s how I met “Mr. Emma” . From the very first time, I felt his kindness and understanding. He didn’t just listen through Faces Up, they acted.
Using resources from the sale of children’s artworks, they cleared all the school dues I owed, which allowed me to sit for my PLE exams. That was in 2020, at Namungoona Kigobe Primary School. Against all odds, I scored 12 aggregates. A first grade, the first in our family. It wasn’t easy. Life was hard.
Many days, I felt like I was just surviving, not studying. But that support gave me a second chance. After finishing Primary, I joined Faces Up’s art education classes at their centre in Masanafu. That opened new doors for me.
When art entered my life, everything changed. Art became more than drawing; it became healing, expression, and learning. Ever since, I have grown in confidence, in vision, and in purpose. I Lukyamuzi, have learned so much: how to paint, how to use a digital camera, edit pictures, do tie-and-dye printmaking, and even how to use a sewing machine. These skills are like an equalizer.
Faces Up has walked with me every step since then, and to this day, they still support me. I don’t take that for granted. Now, in 2025, I’m preparing to sit for my Senior Four exams. This time, I’m not just hoping to pass. I’m confident I’ll score highly. My future feels brighter, and my dreams are clearer. Still, there’s one wound I carry: growing up without a father. I don’t know what it feels like to live with one.
Other students talk about their dads, laugh about their fathers’ advice and stories. I Lukyamuzi, stay silent. I cannot contribute. It feels like I’m missing a part of myself. If I had the power, I would bring back my father not only for me, but for my family, so we could stand stronger together. Even with that pain, I dream big. I want to be a politician. Someday, maybe even the President of Uganda. I’ve seen too much unfairness in my country street vendors and hawkers mistreated, goods confiscated, the poor constantly pushed aside. If I were a leader, I would change that.
I would create jobs for everyone: skilled, semi-skilled, or even those without formal education. Everyone deserves an opportunity, not just the privileged. Of course, I know politics comes with risks. Speaking the truth can get you insulted, attacked, or even jailed. That scares me. But it doesn’t stop me. Because leadership also gives you a platform. And I want to use mine to speak for the voiceless. I want to be remembered as the best president Uganda has ever had a leader who brought real change and lifted our country higher. My faith gives me courage. One of my favourite Surahs in the Qur’an is Surah Al-Nas. It’s about asking Allah for protection from enemies, especially those who pretend to be friends but carry bad intentions. I’ve seen Allah’s protection in my life.
Once, a close friend betrayed me. Someone trusted me with their phone, but this friend secretly stole it and hid it at his house. I was shocked. I never expected it from him. But somehow, I saw the phone at his home. That was Allah revealing the truth and protecting me from harm. That’s why I believe. If I could speak to other young people, I’d tell them this: Don’t lose hope. Stick close to Allah. No matter how dark it feels, He sees you. He will send someone to guide and support you, just like He sent Mr. Emma into my life. Your story is not over. Don’t give up!!!
Thank you for taking time to read my story. My name is Lukyamuzi, and I am grateful that you are now a part of it.
Your support to Faces Up Uganda is not just charity—it is hope. It is the reason children and young people like me (Lukyamuzi) can stay in school, dream big, and work toward a brighter future.
You can continue to walk this journey with us in these simple ways:
- Purchase our artworks or even order custom merchandise for your company or organization.
2. Donate to help young people like me realize our true potential.
3. Share my story with someone you know, so the circle of support grows. Together, we can keep writing stories of hope”.